The Common App is a widely-used platform for students to apply to colleges and universities. One crucial element of the Common App application is the “brag sheet,” a document that highlights your accomplishments, skills, and experiences. A well-crafted brag sheet can significantly enhance your application by showcasing your strengths and setting you apart from other candidates. To help you create a compelling brag sheet, we have compiled a comprehensive guide and template that will empower you to effectively present your qualifications and make a lasting impression.
Our common app brag sheet template is meticulously designed to provide a structured framework for presenting your information. It includes sections for academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, awards and honors, work experience, and personal qualities. Each section provides prompts and guidelines to help you highlight your most relevant and impactful experiences. By using this template, you can ensure that your brag sheet is organized, concise, and tailored to the specific requirements of the Common App.
Crafting Your Brag Sheet
The key to an effective brag sheet lies in its ability to succinctly and persuasively convey your accomplishments and skills. Here are some tips to guide you in crafting a compelling brag sheet:
Be specific and quantifiable: When describing your experiences, use specific details and numbers to provide tangible evidence of your achievements. Quantifying your results using metrics such as percentages, rankings, or awards will make your accomplishments more impactful.
Highlight your skills and qualities: In addition to listing your accomplishments, take the opportunity to showcase the skills and qualities you have developed through your experiences. For example, if you were the captain of your school’s debate team, emphasize the leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills you gained in that role.
Keep it concise: The brag sheet is a supplementary document, so it should be concise and easy to read. Typically, a one-page brag sheet is sufficient for presenting your most relevant and impactful experiences. Focus on highlighting your strongest accomplishments and avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive detail.
Proofread carefully: Before submitting your brag sheet, carefully proofread it for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. A polished and well-written brag sheet will reflect your attention to detail and make a more favorable impression.
Utilizing the Common App Brag Sheet Template
Our common app brag sheet template provides a structured framework for organizing and presenting your information. By following the prompts and guidelines provided in each section, you can ensure that your brag sheet is organized, concise, and tailored to the specific requirements of the Common App.
Academic Achievements: List your academic achievements, including your GPA, class rank, honors, and awards. Quantify your results whenever possible, for example, by stating your GPA on a scale of 4.0 or mentioning your ranking within your class.
Extracurricular Activities: Highlight your involvement in extracurricular activities, both inside and outside of school. Describe your roles and responsibilities, and quantify your impact whenever possible. For example, if you were the president of your school’s science club, mention the number of members you recruited or the projects you led.
Leadership Experiences: Showcase your leadership experiences, both formal and informal. Describe your roles and responsibilities, and highlight your ability to motivate, inspire, and lead others. For example, if you were the captain of your school’s soccer team, emphasize the strategies you implemented to improve the team’s performance.
Awards and Honors: List any awards or honors you have received, both academic and non-academic. Include the name of the award, the organization that granted it, and the year you received it. For example, if you received a scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, mention the amount of the scholarship and the year you received it.
Work Experience: If you have any work experience, list your jobs and describe your roles and responsibilities. Highlight any skills or qualities you developed through your work experience, such as customer service, teamwork, or problem-solving.
Remember to keep your brag sheet concise and focused on highlighting your most relevant and impactful experiences. By using our common app brag sheet template and following these guidelines, you can create a brag sheet that will effectively showcase your strengths and make a lasting impression on college admissions officers.
As you complete your Common App application, the brag sheet will serve as a valuable tool for highlighting your achievements and demonstrating your qualifications. By presenting your information in a clear and concise manner, you can effectively communicate your strengths and make a strong case for your admission to college or university.
